Oil Creek Bike Trail Extension Environmental Feasibility Study

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Oil Creek State Park, Venango County, PA

DCNR Oil Creek Bike Trail Extension Feasibility Study.pdf
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Stahl Sheaffer has completed an engineering and environmental feasibility study for the Oil Creek Bike Trail Extension. The study was completed to assist in siting and budgeting of a trail proposed to connect an area near the park office to Route 8 approximately 3.75 miles to the south. The trail is planned to interweave among historical workings of the oil industry. Tasks completed for the study included roadway and trail design considerations, bridge review, public utility coordination and environmental constraints review and mapping. Five conceptual trail routes were reviewed which included the following features and design considerations.

• Six bridges and a box culvert
• New elevated walkway adjacent to a state road and Oil Creek
• State Route geometry adjustments
• Trail construction in a bouldery hillslope
• Wetland avoidance and impact minimization
• Coordination with the PUC for two new rail line crossings

 ​The following items were addressed and presented in a feasibility report:

• Bridges: Recommended type, constructability, and cost estimate.
• Trail: Soils, slopes, existing roadway constraints, excavation concerns, cost estimates, stormwater, and groundwater management.
• Public Utility Commission coordination for the feasilitiy of two new rail line crossings.
• Environmental: wetland and stream identification and cursory mapping, threatened and endangered species concerns, environmental stormwater and encroachment permitting needs, and cost estimates.